Implant-supported dentures are anchored to small posts that have been surgically placed in the jawbone.
Traditional dentures rest directly on your gums, relying on their fit, natural suction, and sometimes adhesive to stay in place. While this works well for many people, others find that their dentures move around when eating or speaking. Implant-supported dentures offer another option by using dental implants to hold the replacement teeth more securely.
Instead of depending entirely on the gums for support, implant-supported dentures are anchored to small posts that have been surgically placed in the jawbone. Some types have special attachments that allow the denture to snap into place and be removed for cleaning. Others are designed to stay fixed in the mouth. Both upper and lower dentures can be supported by implants, although the right approach depends on your oral health and the condition of your jawbone.
At Northside Dental, we know that choosing a tooth replacement option involves more than deciding how you want your smile to look. Comfort, cost, daily maintenance, and the time involved in treatment are all worth considering. We'll examine your teeth and gums, discuss any concerns you have with your current dentures, and explain what implant-supported dentures could offer. Our staff wants you to understand your options and feel comfortable with whatever treatment you choose. Call Northside Dental at 317-342-9446 to schedule an appointment, or visit our office at 15026 Greyhound Ct., Carmel, IN 46032.
Not everyone is immediately ready for dental implants. There needs to be enough healthy jawbone to support them, and some patients may require additional treatment before implants can be placed. During your evaluation, we'll look at these factors and determine whether an implant-supported denture is a reasonable choice for you. If you've struggled with loose or uncomfortable dentures, it's worth finding out what alternatives are available.
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How the Implant Supported Dentures Actually Work?
There are basically two types of implant-supported dentures: bar-retained and ball-retained. For both, the denture itself is fabricated from an acrylic base that will look like your gums. Then custom porcelain or acrylic teeth that look like natural teeth are attached to the base. Both types of dentures will need at least two implants for support.
Bar-retained dentures — A thin metal bar follows the curve of your arch and is attached to two to five implants that have been placed in your jawbone. Clips are then fitted to this bar. The denture fits over the bar and is securely clipped into place by the attachments on the bar.
Ball-retained dentures (stud-attachment dentures) — Each dental implant in the jawbone has an extension and a ball-shaped metal attachment at the top. The backside of the dentures has a nylon clip. These clips snap directly onto each post extension.
Aftercare of Your Implant Supported Denture
Northside Dental will test all the parts of your new denture to see if they are secure. Even though your denture is stable, it may still move slightly when you chew. This slight movement can cause the denture to rub against your gums, which can cause sore spots. We will check your gums and will check the way your top and bottom teeth come together (your bite) after the insertion of the denture.
The clips or other attachments on the denture usually will need to be replaced every 6 to 12 months. They are made of a plastic material, nylon, and will wear with continued use.
You will need to continue to remove the denture at night for cleaning. You should also carefully clean around the attachments and your gums, and soak your dentures every night.
The Implant Supported Denture Procedure
During your dental exam, Northside Dental will review your medical and dental histories, take X-rays, and create impressions of either your teeth or gums so we can make models. Sometimes we may order a computed tomography (CT) scan of your mouth. This imagery will show your sinuses and nerves. It allows us to make sure they will not be affected by the actual implant placement. A CT scan will show the jawbone density to determine the absolute best locations for the implants. Next, we will create a temporary denture for you. You will use this temporary denture until your implant-supported denture is placed. By making this temporary denture, we can determine the best position for the teeth in the final denture. The temporary denture can also be used as a backup if something happens to the final implant-supported denture.
Once the temporary denture is finished, we will use a copy of it as a guide to help place the implants in the correct positions. This is a small surgical process. After a local anesthetic numbs the immediate area, we drill a small hole in the jawbone to place the titanium post.
After this initial surgery, you need to avoid putting pressure on the implants. The temporary denture will be made so that direct pressure is placed on other areas, not on your new implants.
Next, Northside Dental will usually wait several months before scheduling the second surgery. During this time, the jawbone and the titanium post integrate, attach, and fuse together. This is the secret to the stability. The post now acts as a natural root.
The second surgery is short. We will attach abutments, or extensions, to the dental implants to reach the surface of your gumline. This surgery is simpler than the first. A small incision is made in your gum to expose the tops or heads of the implants.
A healing cap is then placed on the head of each implant after it is exposed. This helps the gum tissue to heal correctly around the extension. This small collar will be in place for 10 to 14 days. We will adjust your temporary denture again to accommodate these collars.
Two weeks after the second surgery, your gums should now be healed enough for us to make an impression of your gum tissue and abutments. The impression is used to make a final working model of your abutments and jaw. This model is then used by the dental lab to complete your final permanent denture, whether it be bar-retained or ball-retained.
Your Comfort and Your Care
At Northside Dental, we know that finding time for dental appointments can be difficult, especially when you have a busy schedule. We do our best to offer convenient appointment times and make each visit as comfortable and efficient as possible. Whether you're coming in for routine care or a specific dental concern, our team is here to help you get the treatment you need. We want to be a dental office that you and your family can rely on for years to come, and we look forward to welcoming you into our practice. Call Northside Dental at 317-342-9446 to schedule an appointment, or visit us at 15026 Greyhound Ct., Carmel, IN 46032.